Mount Kilimanjaro is Tanzania’s and Africa's highest mountain. This magic mountain should be climbed by everyone at least once in their lifetime. Once you've reached the peak at 6,000 m altitude you can celebrate and enjoy the wonderful view. Luckily the trip down is much easier than up! From the African savannah Mount Kilimanjaro is a majestic and impressive mountain itself. There are plenty of ways to get to the top. But be prepared because the tour to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro is tough and demanding. In return you'll be rewarded by spectacular views and the satisfaction of having reached the top.
The different climbing routes up Mount Kilimanjaro
There is a total of six routes up Mt. Kilimanjaro, the most famous being The Marangu Route. This is also the easiest and it has been nicknamed 'The Coca Cola Route'. This route can be done in five days, but you can also choose the Machame route which is more demanding and less crowded. Here you get more nature and more time by yourself. This route is for some reason also known as 'The Whiskey Route'. Officially this route only lasts one day more than the Marangu Route but believe us when we say that you will be glad to have put an additional day or two into this challenge. You manage the thin air and the demanding route better if you take your time.
If you are an experienced hiker or if you are in great shape you can also consider the Lemosho route - Definitely not for infants. This route is remote and the first day you will be accompanied by an armed ranger, so you are protected from animals.
Kilimanjaro - The shining mountain
In Swahili language this dead volcano is called 'The shining mountain'. With a height of 5,895 meters the top is always covered with snow. Depending on the pace, route and weather conditions the duration of a hike up Mt. Kilimanjaro ranges from five to 14 days. It is up to you to choose and plan but remember to give yourself time to get the best out of your Kilimanjaro experience.
Kilimanjaro National Park
The hike up to the top goes through areas of savannah and tropical jungle. At about 2000 meters altitude, just above the tree line; you get into Kilimanjaro National Park. From here you will hike through areas that you would have thought never existed. You will discover that this place really deserves to be found on UNESCO's World Heritage List.
Altitude sickness on Mount Kilimanjaro
When climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you should prepare yourself for the infamous mountain sickness. This phenomenon can hit everyone so remember to take certain precautions in the thin air. High up in the mountains there’s less oxygen. In order to avoid being hit by the symptoms - headache, nausea, dizziness - you should take it slow the first times at higher altitudes and spend a few days without too many efforts before embarking on the more strenuous part of the trek. This way your body will get used to the oxygen-depleted air. If you are serious affected by the altitude the best you can do is to come down from the heights as soon as possible.
Amboseli National Park
On the Kenyan side of Kilimanjaro, you will find Amboseli National Park which is a more relaxing excursion after the hardships of Mount Kilimanjaro. Here you can see flocks of elephants on the vast savannas and Mount Kilimanjaro is always visible in the background. Remember your camera!